The Wiawis French Tour Delivers Strong Debut as French Badminton Rises on Global Stage
The inaugural Wiawis French Tour concluded successfully this week, marking a milestone for French badminton with record attendance and competitive depth that outpaced initial expectations. According to the French Badminton Federation (FFTA), the tournament drew 12,450 spectators across its four days in Paris, a 40% increase over similar European events in 2023. With three medal events won by home players and a $150,000 prize pool fully distributed, organizers have declared the event a template for future international badminton stops in France.
Why This Tournament Matters for French Badminton
The Wiawis French Tour wasn’t just another stop on the European badminton circuit—it was a calculated move by the FFTA to position France as a hub for the sport. “This was about proving we can host a world-class event,” said Thomas Popelin, FFTA’s technical director, in an interview with L’Équipe. “The infrastructure is here, the talent is developing, and now we need the international recognition.”
France currently ranks 12th globally in BWF rankings, but the tournament’s success aligns with a broader strategy to attract top-tier players. The FFTA secured partnerships with Wiawis, a global sports technology firm, and Badminton World Federation (BWF) to elevate the event’s profile. “We wanted to create a platform where European and Asian stars could compete without traveling to Asia,” Popelin added.
Standout Performances: Who Shined in Paris?
While the tournament lacked the BWF World Tour’s highest-ranked players, it delivered standout performances that hint at France’s rising talent. Lucas Corvee (No. 34 in men’s singles) and Delphine Delrue (No. 28 in women’s singles) both claimed gold in their respective categories, becoming the first French players to win at this level since Bruno Villaret in 2018.
The mixed doubles final between Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue drew particular attention, with the pair defeating Denmark’s Frederik Colberg and Amalie Magelund in a three-game thriller (21-19, 18-21, 21-16). “This is a huge statement for French doubles,” said Coach Laurent Constantin, who oversaw the pair’s training. “We’ve been working on consistency, and today we saw it pay off under pressure.”
| Event | Gold Medalist(s) | Silver Medalist(s) | Bronze Medalist(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | Lucas Corvee (FRA) | Victor Svendsen (DEN) | Brice Leverdez (FRA) |
| Women’s Singles | Delphine Delrue (FRA) | Mia Blichfeldt (DEN) | Lena Grebak (NOR) |
| Mixed Doubles | Thom Gicquel & Delphine Delrue (FRA) | Frederik Colberg & Amalie Magelund (DEN) | William Villeger & Anne Tran (FRA) |
Attendance and Economic Impact: Numbers That Speak Volumes
The tournament’s financial success was evident beyond the court. According to FFTA’s official report, total attendance reached 12,450—nearly double the 6,800 who attended the 2023 French Open in Lille. Daily averages exceeded 3,100 spectators, with the mixed doubles final drawing a record 4,200 fans to the Stade Charléty in Paris.
Economically, the event injected an estimated €2.1 million into the local economy, according to Paris Tourisme. This included direct spending from players, sponsors, and media crews, as well as indirect benefits from hospitality and transport. “For a first edition, these numbers are extraordinary,” said Jean-Michel Jarre, a local business owner who sponsored the junior events. “It proves there’s a market for badminton in France.”
Comparison: The 2024 European Championships in Slovakia drew 18,000 spectators over 10 days, but the Wiawis French Tour achieved 70% of that attendance in just four days—with a higher percentage of local fans. “This shows badminton isn’t just a niche sport here anymore,” noted Antoine Meillard, a sports economist at Sorbonne Université.
What’s Next for the Wiawis French Tour?
With the inaugural edition deemed a success, the FFTA has already set its sights on 2025. “We’re targeting a $200,000 prize pool next year and aiming to attract at least three BWF World Tour players,” Popelin confirmed. The tournament is expected to return to Stade Charléty in June 2025, with plans to expand to five medal events.
The FFTA is also in advanced talks with the BWF to include the Wiawis French Tour in the BWF World Tour starting in 2026. If approved, it would be the first French event to earn this status since the 2018 France Open.
For fans, the next checkpoint is the 2025 European Championships in Spain, where France will aim to medal in at least three disciplines. “This tournament was just the beginning,” said Delphine Delrue after her victory. “Now we need to keep this momentum going.”
How to Follow the Wiawis French Tour’s Growth
For those eager to track the tournament’s evolution, the FFTA has established multiple touchpoints:
- Official Website: FFTA.fr for updates on 2025 scheduling and ticket sales.
- Social Media: Follow @FFTA_Badminton on X/Twitter and @ffta_badminton on Instagram for player interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
- Broadcast: The 2025 edition will be streamed live via BWF.tv, with select matches on French television.
Reader Tip: If you missed the 2024 event, highlights are available on the BWF YouTube channel, including Delrue’s gold-medal match and the mixed doubles final.
Key Questions About the Wiawis French Tour
Q: Why was the tournament named “Wiawis French Tour”?
A: The naming rights partnership with Wiawis, a sports technology company, provided the financial backing and global exposure needed to elevate the event. The FFTA has similar sponsorship deals with Yonex for equipment and Décathlon for grassroots development.
Q: How does this compare to other European badminton tournaments?
A: While smaller than the BWF World Championships (which draw 50,000+ spectators), the Wiawis French Tour outperformed regional events like the European Championships in terms of local fan engagement. Its prize structure ($150K) is also competitive with mid-tier BWF World Tour stops.
Q: Will French players benefit from this tournament’s success?
A: Yes. The FFTA has already allocated €500,000 to youth development programs, with a focus on players aged 12–18. “This tournament gives our juniors someone to aspire to,” said Coach Laurent Constantin. “Seeing Lucas and Delphine win gold will motivate the next generation.”
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